Covid-19 testing and school exams

Motion Text

That this House recognises the impact of the covid-19 outbreak on pupil and staff absences; believes there is potential for further disruption in the coming weeks; commends the tireless work of school leaders, teachers and support staff to ensure schools are as safe as possible for the exam season; yet notes that schools have been informed by the Department for Education that stocks of lateral flow tests are not to be distributed; calls on the Government to immediately communicate to schools that they can use any stocks of lateral flow tests held locally; and further calls on the Government to make free testing available for all pupils and staff, including exam invigilators, for the next few weeks to cover the essential exam period.